Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Influence Central for Cirque du Soleil. I received tickets to Amaluna to facilitate my post as well as a promotional item to thank me for participating.

My family has been very fortunate when it comes to “going out” and enjoying cultural arts. We’ve traveled near and far and we always try to make the most of every trip. A few years ago we made our very first visit to California with Em in tow, at only 8 months old.

While in Hollywood we had our very first Cirque du Soleil experience seeing IRIS, FRONT ROW SEATS! We totally lucked out, especially since this gave Em the best chance to really experience the show as visually as possible. Em was captivated and totally entranced with the music, lights and movements.

The next Cirque show we had the amazing opportunity to see was Michael Jackson’s IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR. It was a real tribute fit for the King of Pop. If it’s ever in town you MUST go see it. You will not be disappointed. So two Cirque shows in and each one more magical than the next. How do they do it?

Cirque du Soleil Amaluna was not being held in any traditional theatre or location. It was a touring show which would go from desolate overflow parking for Dolphins games at Sun Life Stadium into magical place all hidden under the Big Blue and Yellow tent, synonymous with Cirque Du Soleil.

The setup inside and outside the tents seems right at home. A lot of love is put into the stating of everything from the moment you walk into the main entrance. There are bathrooms conveniently located throughout, carts with drinks and ice cream before you even walk in (fewer lines – but cash only). The concession stands mesh right into the setting, with a bar in the middle of the entry way. A beautiful display wall of show merchandise that you can purchase from masks to dvds, and not just for Amaluna, but other Cirque shows as well.

There is a separate entrance for VIP Rouge ticket purchasers. I peeked inside and the ambiance was very inviting. Seemed like they got a few extra perks with their tickets, including the pre-show lounge, with drinks, and popcorn on the way to the show. I’d really love to try the VIP experience one time.

As the sold out seats quickly fill, the audience experiences an interactive introduction to some of the main characters, Prospera, Cali (half Lizard – half Man), Miranda, Jeeves, and a few others. Let me warn you, beware of falling and stolen popcorn, the Cali is notorious for it, but also just a lovable playful amphibian. I tried to take pictures, but cameras are not permitted under the big top.

Be ready to be empowered. The storyline is full of good and healthy female empowerment on the all female island.

Prospera, a shaman with magical powers, driven by human emotions, knows she must let her daughter Miranda find love and make her own way in the world, but just as any mother, she uses her powers to influence the way this comes about. Gotta love moms, always finding a way to ensure that their children find the very best in life and marriage.

Miranda is not much a girl anymore, not yet a woman, curious, romantic and full of dreams and mischief. Miranda’s pet Cali, Half-lizard, half-human, and ALL jealous, is in love with Miranda and tries to thwart the budding love of Miranda and her Romeo. But this is not the only love about to take place as Romeo’s manservant Jeeves falls head over heels in love with Deeda, Miranda’s childhood nurse. Jeeves and Deeda are a class act and will keep you entertained throughout the show.

The acrobatics feats are incredible. Each performer more amazing than the next. It’s so hard to describe without giving it all away. They fly, they climb, they play in water, they run underground, thru aisles, chase red balls, ohhh the red ball that magically floats into the air….

The presence of female empowerment is very powerful, from the Peacock Goddess, the Moon Goddess, the Balance Goddess, the Valkyries and the Amazons. The band behind the beautiful ballads is all female, the first ever for a Cirque show, talk about girl powers!

The storyline of an almost all female show oozed with empowerment. My girls, while still too young to understand, will hopefully have the opportunity to see Amaluna when they get older. This is one show that should definitely take up stock somewhere and be forever running. As a female I would love to see more empowerment for young girls, shows like this can have very strong defining moments as their own characters develop.

The show is very child friendly. Bring snacks for them if they get fussy. Especially the toddlers, they like to steal the adults popcorn. I always carry a goodie back filled with snacks and drinks for the girls that you usually cannot find at concession stands. From newborns to toddlers to teenagers, you could see children everywhere.

In fact, Em’s first Cirque show, IRIS was in  Hollywood at the Kodak theatre when she was only 8 months old. She loved the music, the action and the movements, then she napped for 15 minutes it was as if she didn’t skip a beat. Preemie’s first Cirque show, Michael Jackson’s IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR, she was only 8 months old as well. So by now, both kids are pretty much seasoned Cirque veterans. As they grow they you can see a new appreciation form in their  minds for the artistic displays happening before them.

We scheduled our show time with the girls for a mid after noon showing, post nap time. This was going to be most beneficial for us, the girls and our seat mates around us! Em was so astounded by every acrobat. All she kept saying was that she wanted to go talk to them. She was so desperate to meet the Lizard Man.

Did you know that Cirque du Soleil’s stories and routines change every year? If you don’t catch Amaluna while it’s here in Miami, there is a chance you may never see it again. If this was to happen, I would cry for you, which is why I want to try to help you see it!

Have you ever seen a Cirque du Soleil performance before? Do you have a favorite? Do you find them to be empowering? What are you most looking forward to?

Go see it before it’s gone for good! Now through – January 25th, 2015 at Sun Life Stadium. Prices vary and are demand based, meaning the sooner you get your tickets, the cheaper they are.

Win A $50 Gift Card from Cirque du Soleil!

One lucky reader will have a chance to win a Cirque du Soleil $50 Gift Card , which can be used for ANY U.S. based Cirque du Soleil show, ARV $50. The giveaway will begin on 12/28/14 and ends on 01/03/15 at 11:59pm. One entrant per household, email address and/or IP address. If you have won this prize on another blog you may be ineligible to win again. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. All winners are subject to verification. I reserve the right to disqualify any entrant for claiming entries for tasks not completed. You must enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Influence Central for Cirque du Soleil. I received tickets to Amaluna to facilitate my post as well as a promotional item to thank me for participating. The sponsor holds the sole responsibility for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.